HILO, Hawaii---The Biola women's basketball took care of business against Hawaii Hilo, defeating the Vulcans 62-49 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

"Today we did a great job executing our scout," stated head coach Mike Simonson. "Hilo is a scrappy and physical team. We really rose to the occasion today. I was most proud of finishing at the rim. We had 40 points in the paint and that shows we were physical and confident to battle in the paint."

Kaylen Kamelamela was a game standout, earning a double-double against Hawaii Hilo with a career-high of 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Graduate Student went 9-for-13 in the field and added one assist and a steal to an impressive stat sheet. 

"I take so much pride in where I'm from and I'm glad I was able to represent not only that but my family well tonight, shared Kamelamela. "It's the first game my family has been to all season so it gave me some extra fuel on the court today."

Kamelamela continued, "Today I was able to dominate more in the paint and let the game come to me. UH Hilo was a scrappy and strong team so I knew I had to match that coming into this game. Getting rebounds is a role that I'm comfortable with doing too and it really helped elevate my game today. I was just excited to look at the stands during a big play and see the support system that brought me here. A full circle moment for me that I couldn't be more grateful to God for!"

Simonson added, "Kaylen was a big part of that. We talked before the game about how important her interior scoring and rebounding would be. She did a tremendous job of it and we are excited to keep building up in this area." 

Sammie Henley and Jessa Thurman were also big contributors, scoring 11 points each against UHH.

Biola controlled the lead after a competitive first quarter. The Eagles entered the second quarter tied 14-14, but Kamelamela would give Biola an early advantage when she scored the opening basket of the frame (16-14). Kamelamela went on to score eight of BU's 13 points in the second frame which allowed them to head into halftime with a 27-22 lead.

The Eagles had their best offensive showing in the third where they out-scored UH Hilo 20-10. Kamelamela led the charge with 12 points. Henley contributed six and Alyssa Kubrick recorded two.

Biola took their biggest lead of the game in the fourth, pulling ahead of Hawaii Hilo by 20 points.

"Getting a road split in Hawaii is a great accomplishment and important to do if we want to climb up the standing and make the pacwest tournament, which is our goal," concluded Simonson. "We are excited to get home and protect our home court."

Biola returns home 4-12 overall and 4-4 in the PacWest Conference while UH Hilo fell 3-9 and 1-5 in the PacWest.

BU plays next on Thursday, January 16th at 5:30 p.m. against PLNU at Chase Gymnasium.